Method and system for enhanced swimming pool skimming

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for skimming the surface of water in a swimming pool by causing water at the upper surface of the swimming pool to migrate along the perimeter of the pool and then directing the migrating water to a skimmer from a region proximate to said skimmer

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 63/213,548 filed on Jun. 22, 2021 and entitled “ImprovedSwimming Pool Skimmer System”, by Guisti, the text and figures of whichare incorporated into this application in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The surface of a swimming pool is exceptionally susceptible to gatheringdebris. Be it leaves, or even bugs that were attempting to take a drinkof water, the surface of a swimming pool requires constant attention tomake sure it is free of such unsightly debris.

Just about every swimming pool, be it above ground or built into thelandscape, will have a swimming pool skimmer. Such a swimming poolskimmer generally includes a wide opening and a basket for collectingdebris as water returns from the swimming pool and back to a filtrationsystem.

It has long been recognized that such swimming pool skimmers are notvery effective. In fact, Gronlund, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,020 issued onApr. 23, 1996, recognize the problem and presented what, for its time,was a novel apparatus to improve the efficacy of a swimming poolskimmer. Groulund taught and apparatus that would extend outward fromthe swimming pool skimmer out across the surface of the swimming pool.Groulund's apparatus was intended to direct more debris toward theswimming pool skimmer and also to filter debris using a filter setlongitudinally outward from the swimming pool skimmer. And even beforeGronlunds, others of postulated other apparatus to improve the efficacyof the swimming pool skimmer. Regrettably, the prior art fails torecognize certain key aspects of just how the swimming pool skimmeractually operates and are rendered virtually useless.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several alternative embodiments will hereinafter be described inconjunction with the appended drawings and figures, wherein likenumerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that illustrates one example method forskimming the surface of water in a pool;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example methodwherein an obstacle is used to help direct water toward the swimmingpool skimmer;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts yet another alternative examplemethod for directing water toward a skimmer;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative example methodwherein a portion of the obstacle penetrates down through the watersurface;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative example methodwherein attachment of the obstacle is made at a trailing edge of theskimmer;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative method whereinthe obstacle dislodges from his attachment to further promote safety ofthe system herein described;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that depicts an alternative method that allowsthe obstacle to follow the surface of the water;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example methodwherein water flowing into the pool is used to cause water to migratealong the perimeter of the pool;

FIG. 9A is a flow diagram wherein water directed toward the surfacecauses a bubbling sound effect;

FIG. 9B is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example methodwherein causing water at its upper surface to migrate along theperimeter of the pool is accomplished by using pre-existing componentsinstalled in a pool;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram of one alternative example embodiment ofa swimming pool skimmer obstacle device;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates the construction of theobstacle and a mechanism to maintain the obstacle at a levelsubstantially that of the water in the pool;

FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates a friction fittingstructure included at each end of the sleeve;

FIG. 13 is a pictorial diagram that further illustrates a detachmentmechanism formed by the retainer and the upward bend of the rod;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are pictorial diagrams that illustrate movement of thearm according to the level of water in the swimming pool;

FIG. 16 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates an alternative mountingstructure for the sleeve to which the obstacle is attached;

FIG. 17 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates overall application ofthe swimming pool skimmer obstacle device;

FIG. 18 is a pictorial diagram of one example of a pre-existing waterinlet; and

FIGS. 19 and 20 are pictorial diagrams that illustrate one alternativeexample embodiments of a redirection fitting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the interest of clarity, several example alternative methods aredescribed in plain language. Such plain language descriptions of thevarious steps included in a particular method allow for easiercomprehension and a more fluid description of a claimed method and itsapplication. Accordingly, specific method steps are identified by theterm “step” followed by a numeric reference to a flow diagram presentedin the figures, e.g. (step 5). All such method “steps” are intended tobe included in an open-ended enumeration of steps included in aparticular claimed method. For example, the phrase “according to thisexample method, the item is processed using A” is to be given themeaning of “the present method includes step A, which is used to processthe item”. All variations of such natural language descriptions ofmethod steps are to be afforded this same open-ended enumeration of astep included in a particular claimed method.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that illustrates one example method forskimming the surface of water in a pool. This method includes a firststep of directing water to the skimmer return from the region proximatethere to (step 10). Many prior attempts for improving the efficacy of askimming apparatus have attempted to direct water toward the skimmer.This is generally accomplished by providing for some form of paddle thatwould help collect debris that is further away from the skimmer thenwould ordinarily be subject to the vacuum force introduced by waterflowing into the skimmer and through the collection basket. But this isonly part of the problem. One feature of the method and apparatusdescribed in the claims attached hereto is a method step included forcausing the water at the surface of the swimming pool to migrate alongthe perimeter of the pool (step 15). Now, debris on the surface of thepool is swept toward a paddle, or other directing apparatus, so as tomore effectively move the debris toward the opening included in theskimming device itself

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example methodwherein an obstacle is used to help direct water toward the swimmingpool skimmer. In this alternative example method, an obstacle isprovided at a level substantially equal to the level of the watersurface (step 20). An additional included step provides for setting theobstacle at an acute angle relative to the return of the water poolskimmer (step 25). An additional included step provides for setting theangle in a direction opposite of that of the migrating water (step 30).As can be appreciated, these additional method steps provide fordirecting debris which is being carried along by the water which ismigrating along the perimeter of the pool.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts yet another alternative examplemethod for directing water toward a skimmer. In this alternative examplemethod, an obstacle is provided at a level substantially equal to thelevel of the water surface (step 35) and setting the obstacle to form afunnel -like shape at the water's surface (step 40) when viewed fromabove.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative example methodwherein a portion of the obstacle penetrates down through the watersurface. In this alternative example method, the obstacle is againplaced at an approximate level to that of the surface of the water (step45). However, in this alternative example method, an additional stepprovides for including a feature on the obstacle that penetrates downthrough the service of the water (step 50). It should be appreciatedthat this feature helps to encourage debris to be lifted up from justbelow the surface of the water and into the opening of the swimming poolskimmer. Although the angle at which the penetrating surface may bevaried significantly, experimentation demonstrates that the featureshould penetrate down through the water at approximately a 45° angle.However, this particular angle should not be used to limit the claimsappended hereto.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative example methodwherein attachment of the obstacle is made at a trailing edge of theskimmer. It should be appreciated that, in this alternative examplemethod, the obstacle is again set at a level substantially equal to thelevel of the water surface (step 55). In this alternative examplemethod, the obstacle is attached to the skimmer opening at an edge thatis trailing relative to the direction of the migrating water (step 60).In other words, as the water flows past the skimmer opening, thatportion of the skimmer that the water passes first is not where theobstacle is attached, but rather at a trailing edge as the water passesby the edge after the water passes in front of the opening of the waterskimmer return.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative method whereinthe obstacle dislodges from his attachment to further promote safety ofthe system herein described. In this alternative example method, theobstacle is again set at a level substantially equal to the level of thewater surface (step 65). If a force is applied to the obstacle (step70), and said force is substantial, the obstacle dislodges from theskimmer return (step 75). It should be appreciated that, in thisalternative example method, the obstacle dislodges in the event that aswimmer accidentally comes into contact with the obstacle.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that depicts an alternative method that allowsthe obstacle to follow the surface of the water. In this examplealternative method, an included step provides for allowing the obstacleto migrate orthogonally relative to and in response to the level of thesurface of the water (step 80). By so doing, the effectiveness of theobstacle is greatly enhanced as the amount of water in the swimming poolvaries over time.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example methodwherein water flowing into the pool is used to cause water to migratealong the perimeter of the pool. In this alternative example method,water from an inlet is directed toward the surface and in a directionsubstantially along the pool perimeter (step 85). It should beappreciated that, by so doing, water will begin to migrate along theperimeter of the pool.

FIG. 9A is a flow diagram wherein water directed toward the surfacecauses a bubbling sound effect. In this alternative example method,water from the inlet is directed toward the surface at an angle so as toreach the surface and cause a bubbling sound at the water's surface(step 90). Such bubbling as a tranquilizing effect on people bathing inthe pool.

FIG. 9B is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example methodwherein causing water at its upper surface to migrate along theperimeter of the pool is accomplished by using pre-existing componentsinstalled in a pool. According to this alternative example method,causing water at its upper surface to migrate along the perimeter of thepool comprises a first step of removing a water inlet nozzle from aninlet water source (step 82). It should be appreciated that, especiallyin above ground pools, a water inlet penetrates through the side of thepool. In such physical embodiments, the water inlet is fitted with aninlet nozzle. The additional includes step provides for attaching aredirection fitting to the inlet water source (step 87). The redirectionfitting, according to various alternative example methods, is redirectedalong a perimeter of the pool (step 97) in one alternative included stepand, in an alternative included step the water is directed toward thesurface of the water disposed in the pool (step 92).

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram of one alternative example embodiment ofa swimming pool skimmer obstacle device. FIG. 17 is a pictorial diagramthat illustrates overall application of the swimming pool skimmerobstacle device. In this alternative example embodiment, the apparatusdescribed in the claims hereto attached includes an obstacle 150 forattachment to a water skimmer return 100. This apparatus furtherincludes, as shown in FIG. 17 , a nozzle 280 for directing water from aninlet toward the surface of water and along the perimeter of the pool.

The obstacle 150 is held in place by a cylindrical member 120 which isallowed to migrate up and down within a sleeve 105. As can beappreciated, the obstacle is set an acute angle relative to the waterskimmer, as shown in the figure. In yet another alternative embodiment,the acute angle is set opposite the flow of water 151 along theperimeter of the pool.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates the construction of theobstacle and a mechanism to maintain the obstacle at a levelsubstantially that of the water in the pool. In this alternative exampleembodiment, the obstacle 150 is affixed to a flotation device 130. Theflotation device 130 is disposed about a rod 140 and is capped 135 at anend farthest from the sleeve 105. The rod 140 includes a substantially90° upward to bend relative to the flotation device 130. This upwardbend is retained in a retainer block 145, which is also included in thisexample embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates a friction fittingstructure included at each end of the sleeve. As depicted in thisfigure, the sleeve 105 includes threads 170 disposed at each end of thesleeve 105. Two end caps 115 and 110 include internal threads 175 whichengage with the threads 170 included at the two ends of the sleeve 105.Friction pads 160 and 165 are included and are forced outward relativeto the longitudinal center of the sleeve 105. As the end caps 115 and110 are screwed in opposite directions, it causes the overall length 180of the mechanism to expand thereby forcing the friction pads 160 and 165to engage with upper and lower internal surfaces (225, 227) as shown onFIG. 15 . This causes the sleeve 105 to be retained within the cavity ofthe skimmer 100.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial diagram that further illustrates a detachmentmechanism formed by the retainer and the upward bend of the rod. In thisalternative example embodiment, the detachable coupler 145 includes areceptacle 200, wherein said receptacle provides for features to preventrotation of the upward bend of the rod 140. Corresponding features 205are included in the upper bend of the rod 140, again to prevent rotationof the upward bend of the rod when it is received into the receptacle145. It should be appreciated that, when the flotation device 130 isfloating in the water, an upward force is applied to the upward bend ofthe rod 140 causing its featured end at 205 to be retained in thereceptacle 200. Then, one a substantially downward force is applied tothe flotation device 130, the featured end of the upward bend of the rod140 will be released by the receptacle 200. For convenience, onealternative example embodiment includes a tether 207 to facilitateretrieval of the arm and disassociated obstacle 150 when it is detachedfrom the detachable coupler 145.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are pictorial diagrams that illustrate movement of thearm according to the level of water in the swimming pool. In theseillustrations, reference 230 depicts the level of water in the swimmingpool. As seen in FIG. 14 , the water level 230 as fallen below the lowerinternal surface 225 of the swimming pool skimmer 100. At this waterlevel, the swimming pool skimmer is simply not effective because wateris no longer flowing into the swimming pool skimmer itself. Even still,the flotation mechanism 130 maintains the obstacle 150 at a levelsubstantially that of the level of water 230 in the swimming pool. Insuch case, the detachable coupler 145, which is affixed to a cylindricalelement 120 is allowed to move up and down 220 within the sleeve 105.

As seen in FIG. 15 , the water level in the pool 230 is now at a levelgreater than the lower surface 225 of the swimming pool skimmer 100 andthe flotation mechanism 130 adjusts the level of the obstacle 150according to the level of the water 230 in the pool. Again, thecylindrical member 120 is allowed to move vertically 220 within thesleeve 105.

FIG. 14 also shows that the obstacle 150 is generally set at an angle235 beneath the level of the water 230. Although not critical,experimentation demonstrates that an angle of 45° appears effective, butis not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Againnot entirely critical, the depth 240 of the obstacle 150 below thesurface of the water 230 is set to approximately 2 inches. Again, thisis simply one illustrative embodiment it is not intended to limit theclaims appended hereto.

FIG. 16 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates an alternative mountingstructure for the sleeve to which the obstacle is attached. In thisalternative example embodiment, the two end caps 110 and 115 arereplaced with flanged end caps 250. The flanged end caps 250 included inthis alternative example embodiment includes flanges that themselvesinclude holes 255 which are used to screw the flanged end caps 250 tothe outer perimeter of the swimming pool skimmer assembly 100 itself.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates overall application ofthe swimming pool skimmer obstacle device. As already discussed, anozzle 285 is attached to an inlet by way of a flange 280. In thisalternative example embodiment, the flange 280 is affixed to the insideof the pool using waterproof glue and the nozzle 285 is set at an angle290 to direct water from the inlet toward the surface 230 of the waterand also to redirect the water along the perimeter of the pool.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial diagram of one example of a pre-existing waterinlet. As depicted in this diagram, the water inlet 280 includes aninternal thread 282. The internal thread 282 receives an external thread287, which is included on a pre-existing nozzle 285.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are pictorial diagrams that illustrate one alternativeexample embodiments of a redirection fitting. According to thisalternative example embodiment, the redirection fitting 300 comprises athreaded inlet section 330, a redirection section 320, and a threadedoutlet section 345. According to one illustrative use case, theredirection fitting 300 is fitted into the water source inlet 280, whichemanates from the wall of a swimming pool. In yet another alternativeexample embodiment, the redirection fitting includes a pressure plate325 extending radially from the end of the threaded inlet section 330.In one illustrative use case, a washer 335 is disposed in between thepressure plate 325 and the surface of the water source inlet 280. Thissubstantially reduces the possibility of leakage resulting from theinterface between the water source inlet you hundred 80 and theredirection fitting 300.

As illustrated, one use case provides for reuse of a pre-existing inletnozzle 285, which is mated with the threaded outlet section 345 includedin this alternative example embodiment of the redirection fitting 300.Is also illustrated, the angle 290 of the redirection fitting 300 isadjustable relative to the surface of the water 230 by orientation ofthe redirection fitting's 300 threaded inlet section 380 relative to theinternal thread 282 of the water inlet 280.

While the present method and apparatus has been described in terms ofseveral alternative and exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated thatalternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents thereof willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of thespecification and study of the drawings. It is therefore intended thatthe true spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto include all suchalternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for skimming the surface of water in apool comprising: directing water to a skimmer water return from a regionproximate to said skimmer water return; and causing water at its uppersurface to migrate along a perimeter of the pool.
 2. The method of claim1 wherein directing water to a skimmer water return comprises: providingan obstacle at a level substantially equal to a level of the water'ssurface, said obstacle encroaching over the surface of the water at anacute angle and oriented in a direction substantially opposite to themigrating water.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein directing water to askimmer water return comprises: providing an obstacle at a levelsubstantially equal to a level of the water's surface wherein saidobstacle forming a funnel-like shape at the surface of the water.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 wherein directing water to a skimmer water returncomprises: providing an obstacle at a level substantially equal to alevel of the water's surface wherein said obstacle includes a featurethat penetrates through the surface of the water.
 5. The method of claim1 wherein directing water to a skimmer water return comprises: providingan obstacle at a level substantially equal to a level of the water'ssurface wherein said obstacle is attached at a trailing edge of theskimmer water return relative to the direction of the migrating water.6. The method of claim 1 wherein directing water to a skimmer waterreturn comprises: providing an obstacle at a level substantially equalto a level of the water's surface wherein said obstacle dislodges fromthe skimmer water return when a substantial force is applied to saidobstacle.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein providing an obstaclecomprises: allowing the obstacle to move in a direction substantiallyorthogonal to the surface of the water in order to follow said surfaceof the water.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein causing water at itsupper surface to migrate along a perimeter of the pool comprisesredirecting water from a water inlet toward the water's surface and in adirection substantially along the perimeter of the pool.
 9. The methodof claim 1 wherein causing water at its upper surface to migrate along aperimeter of the pool comprises: removing a water inlet nozzle from aninlet water source; attaching a redirection fitting to the inlet watersource; orienting the redirection fitting to direct water from the inletin a direction including at least one or more of along a perimeter ofthe pool and/or a level coincident with a surface of water in the pool.10. The method of claim 8 wherein providing an obstacle comprises:redirecting water from a water inlet toward the water's surface so as tocauses a bubbling sound effect at the water's surface.
 11. An system forimproving collection of debris by a water skimmer comprising: obstaclefor attachment to a water skimmer return; and redirection fitting forredirecting inlet water toward a surface of water and along a perimeterof a pool.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the obstacle is set at anacute angle relative to the water skimmer return.
 13. The system ofclaim 11 wherein the obstacle is set at an acute angle relative to thewater skimmer return and said acute angle is directed opposite a flow ofwater flowing along the perimeter of the pool.
 14. The system of claim11 wherein the obstacle includes a feature that penetrates the surfaceof the water.
 15. The system of claim 11 wherein the obstacle includes adetachable coupler that allows the obstacle to separate from the waterskimmer return when said obstacle experience a substantially downwardforce.
 16. The system of claim 11 wherein the obstacle is attached to asliding member that moves up and down substantially in a directionorthogonal to the surface of the water.
 17. The system of claim 11wherein the redirection fitting comprises: threaded inlet section;redirection section; and threaded outlet section.